In 2016-17 Karlsson played 96 regular season & playoff games for the Sens. It was his best and most complete season in the NHL. 71 regular season points, along with 18 in playoffs. He should have won the Norris, and Conn Smythe had the Sens reached the finals.

Karlsson also put his career and future earnings on the line, playing badly injured during the long playoff run. Physically he has never recovered, and that dynamic first step is long gone. Luckily for him the Sharks stepped up and handed out the 8 year, 92 million dollar deal.

Karlsson still has the elite sense & skill, but the lack of natural size and injuries show a player past his prime, and certainly on decline. Not a guy who can play 27 minutes/all situations. Sharks D overall is in big trouble, and this club will be lucky to make the playoffs.

-Shawn Simpson via Twitter on Erik Karlsson